Consort Design's Guide to the Brimfield Antiques Show

Mat Sanders and Brandon Quattrone, to put it simply, give good home. The design partners behind interior firm Consort, whose clients include a roster of Hollywood's pretty young things and cool kids, are making a name for themselves with their instantly covetable, Californian-modern spaces. "Your home is your biggest asset and it should reflect the best version of yourself; it should feel comfortable, cutting-edge and classic," they told BAZAAR when we first reached out to them about working together after stumbling upon their inspiring Instagram stream.

What makes their spaces so attractive is their ability to create a story that feels approachable but still very directional, and they achieve this with their expert mix of new and old. That keen eye for a great find has led the couple to launch an online store (and brick and mortar this fall) to house key pieces, both vintage and new, that make up their signature look. In preparation for their new shop, Sanders and Quattrone let BAZAAR tag along with them to the famed Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts, where over 5,000 vendors worldwide come to show off their wares—and is opening again starting today. Trust us, a little professional advice when tackling this sort of mega treasure hunting is much welcome. Meet Consort.

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Kerry Pieri

How did you both get your start in design?

Sanders: I got my start as a digital market and interiors editor before moving to Los Angeles to launch MyDomaine.com for Clique Media. Hollywood has been a great place to explore the decor scene and my work creating and documenting clickable spaces led to some dream clients who asked me to help them with more full-scale design projects.

Quattrone: When I moved to New York, I landed a job with Shop Architects in the interior design group. The work we were doing was innovative and and exciting and it was an inspiring place to hone my skills working on a large scale. Later, I joined the design and development team for Soul Cycle, which eventually brought me to LA to oversee their West Coast expansion.

Sanders: We both started getting asks for design help, so it only made sense to do it together. Style-wise, Brandon is very architecturally-minded and minimal, and I am more about layered comfort. It's a nice balance. We started off with a bang having a few great projects that kicked off our business: Jessica Alba, Fall Out Boy's Joe Trohman and a co-founder of Soul Cycle. In all three projects, the clients were amazing style fits and allowed us tons of freedom to make their spaces beautiful. With those three projects, we were really able to define the signature look we will now showcase in the furniture and decor at our upcoming L.A. store.

Kerry Pieri

How do antiques and flea market finds play into your overall design story?

Quattrone: We love layering vintage into all our projects because it adds so much warmth and character. The home should reflect your experiences and the places you've been. Scouring antique and flea markets everywhere you go, whether it be Brimfield or Paris, can really help to tell an incredible and rich story.

Brimfield is the most famous market in the US, what did you find distinguished it from others you have shopped?

Sanders: Shopping Brimfield's northeast location attracts more of the New York buyers and visual teams from big players like Ralph Lauren and J. Crew. Everyone is there to strike it big, so the FOMO keeps the crowd moving and energized!

Kerry Pieri

How do you a approach a day hunting for treasure?

Sanders: Wear comfortable shoes, carry a large bag or two, and look really cute because Harper's BAZAAR is following you with cameras!

Do you shop with a project in mind or just for pieces that resonate with you?

Sanders: We're opening a Los Angeles store in the fall so now we get to shop more on impulse. Before, we would find so many incredible pieces and have to pass because we had no place for them. Now that we have a brick and mortar and online store to showcase all these hidden treasures, people can really live the look.

Quattrone: Plan your agenda! Check the schedule because different fields open and close at different times. Heart of the Mart and Dealer's Choice are not to be missed, but arrive early, because a lines form like Walmart on Black Friday.

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